Law

Social Sciences Division

cadet with counselor

Develop analytical skills and build expertise in the study of law and its role and function in both American society and the international community.

ABOUT US

Increasingly complex legal considerations permeate every aspect of modern life in both civilian and military environments. The U.S. Air Force Academy’s Department of Law help cadets develop the analytical skills that will permit them to identify, understand, and resolve the legal issues they will likely encounter after graduation.

The legal studies program is not “prelaw,” but is designed to provide an enhanced knowledge of the law as part of a broadly focused education. Cadets will build expertise in the study of law and its role and function in both American society and the international community.

Programs and Teams

Law Faculty & Staff

Majors & Minors

Legal Studies
(Major)

Social Science
(Major)*

*Restrictions Apply

Department News News From Around The Department

September 23, 2024

Law class gives cadets legal tools they will need as officers

U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet 3rd Class Jayda McNabb listens to instruction during his Law for Department of the Air Force Officers class Sept. 3, 2024. The course introduces cadets to foundational concepts of law such as constitutional rights, criminal procedure, command discretion, and the laws of war, preparing them for the future challenges they will face. (U.S. Air Force photo by Justin Pacheco) By Randy Roughton U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – In the required Law for Department of the Air Force Officers course, U.S. Air Force Academy Legal Studies professors tell cadets...

Continue Reading Law class gives cadets legal tools they will need as officers

U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet 3rd Class Jayda McNabb listens to instruction during his Law for Air Force Officers class.

March 26, 2024

Cadets learn, instruct during legal conference

U.S. Space Force Gen. Stephen Whiting, Space Command commander, speaks during the Fourth Annual USSPACECOM Legal Conference March 6, 2024 at Polaris Hall, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado. (Courtesy photo) By Katherine Spessa U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – The U.S. Air Force Academy hosted the U.S. Space Command’s fourth annual legal conference in Polaris Hall here, allowing cadets to attend and present at the event, which welcomes industry leaders each year. The conference was organized by USSPACECOM, the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate and the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Law, Technology and...

Continue Reading Cadets learn, instruct during legal conference

January 25, 2024

Academy law professor creates lifelong learners

U.S. Air Force Academy Law Professor Douglas McKechnie poses for a photograph Dec. 5, 2023 in his office at the Academy in Colorado. (U.S. Air Force photo by Rayna Schmidt) Katherine Spessa U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - U.S. Air Force Academy Law Professor Douglas McKechnie is a scholar through and through. What his department head, Col. Tara Villena, calls “a true civilian,” McKechnie has never served in the military, but true to his thirst for knowledge, Villena says he “dove headfirst into everything [Academy].” Ten years after first taking his position here, he...

Continue Reading Academy law professor creates lifelong learners

U.S. Air Force Academy Law Professor Dr. Douglas McKechnie

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HQ USAFA/DFL
2354 Fairchild Drive, Suite 6H-100
United States Air Force Academy, CO 80840
(719) 333-3680 | DSN 333-3680